Abstract

This chapter introduces some of the major positions and arguments concerning the metaphysics of time. After making the basic distinction between the A-theory, according to which time passes, and the B-theory, according to which it does not, several different variations on the A-theory are described. The claim that time passes is distinguished from the claim that time has a direction. Three main kinds of argument against the passage of time are then described: those based on McTaggart’s paradox, those based on relativity theory, and those based on the supposed incoherence of the claim that time passes at a rate. It is suggested that although the second and third of these arguments do provide some support for the B-theory, none is decisive.